As winter conditions grip Scotland a survey of family firms has found their future growth is uncertain.

Fewer than half of family business leaders in Scotland are upbeat about growth and expansion in 2011, according to a survey from acountancy giant PwC.

The UK edition of PwCs Global Family Business Survey, found that only around 44 per cent of Scottish family firms expect toexpand their business next year.

Thatis well below the 65 per cent of English family firms, but on a par with the 44 per cent figure of family business bosses in Wales and 45percent in Northern Ireland.

However, for the remaining 56 per cent of Scottish family firms, survival or consolidation is the key objective over the next 12 months.

The study also found that more than three quarters of family firms in Scotland (77 per cent) remain concerned over market conditions, while 56 per cent said that the UK's tax regime is not supportive of enterprise. Only a third of Scots family firms sold into export markets.

Dave Clarkson, head of private business at PwC in Scotland,said: "Companies have endured tough times over the last two years, however as they looked towards a post-recession future, the relentless and unprecedented cold weather hit - and for many the impact is being keenly felt.

"While the level of confidence around market growth and expansion in the longer term is welcome, there is still a lingering concern about market conditions.

"Family businesses in Scotland should look to accelerating expansion and growth through developing new export markets."